VRTIX vs. FSSNX
VRTIX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FSSNX (Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VRTIX returned 11.86%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for FSSNX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRTIX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for FSSNX.
Performance
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VRTIX having a 21.75% return and FSSNX slightly higher at 21.76%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VRTIX having a 11.86% annualized return and FSSNX not far behind at 11.85%.
VRTIX
- 1D
- 0.83%
- 1M
- 4.84%
- YTD
- 21.75%
- 6M
- 18.98%
- 1Y
- 42.76%
- 3Y*
- 19.74%
- 5Y*
- 6.88%
- 10Y*
- 11.86%
FSSNX
- 1D
- 0.83%
- 1M
- 4.84%
- YTD
- 21.76%
- 6M
- 18.99%
- 1Y
- 42.83%
- 3Y*
- 19.92%
- 5Y*
- 7.03%
- 10Y*
- 11.85%
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 21.75% | 12.55% | 11.59% | 17.01% | -20.40% | 14.71% | 20.46% | 25.60% | -10.92% | 14.77% |
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund | 21.76% | 12.94% | 11.71% | 17.11% | -20.28% | 14.70% | 19.99% | 25.70% | -11.24% | 14.54% |
Correlation
The correlation between VRTIX and FSSNX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2011 | 1.00 |
The correlation between VRTIX and FSSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VRTIX vs. FSSNX — Risk / Return Rank
VRTIX
FSSNX
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| VRTIX | FSSNX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.00 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.00 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.37 | 1.37 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.05 | 4.05 | 0.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 14.34 | 14.35 | -0.01 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VRTIX drawdown since its inception was -41.69%, roughly equal to the maximum FSSNX drawdown of -41.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTIX and FSSNX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VRTIX | FSSNX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.69% | -41.72% | +0.03% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.99% | -11.00% | +0.01% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.72% | -27.45% | -0.27% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -31.98% | -31.87% | -0.11% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.69% | -41.72% | +0.03% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.38% | -8.27% | -0.11% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.10% | 3.10% | 0.00% |
Volatility
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTIX) and Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund (FSSNX) have volatilities of 6.41% and 6.43%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VRTIX | FSSNX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.41% | 6.43% | -0.02% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.33% | 14.33% | 0.00% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.74% | 19.75% | -0.01% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.69% | 22.67% | +0.02% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.51% | 23.50% | +0.01% |
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VRTIX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSNX's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VRTIX vs. FSSNX - Dividend Comparison
VRTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than FSSNX's 0.89% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSSNX Fidelity Small Cap Index Fund | 0.89% | 1.08% | 1.04% | 1.43% | 1.26% | 3.92% | 0.94% | 2.96% | 4.94% | 3.37% | 2.27% | 2.66% |
VRTIX Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional Shares | 1.09% | 1.00% | 1.23% | 1.46% | 1.50% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.36% | 1.49% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, VRTIX and FSSNX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
FSSNX has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to VRTIX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTIX dropped -41.69% vs FSSNX's -41.72%.
FSSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.26), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for VRTIX and FSSNX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer